The FDA has narrowed Covid-19 vaccine approval to high-risk groups, but officials claim vaccines remain available to all. Experts warn that for healthy individuals under 65, access may be limited due to the need for off-label prescriptions, insurance issues, and logistical barriers, making true universal access unlikely. The situation is complicated further by state-specific regulations and the rescinding of emergency authorizations for certain age groups, raising concerns about equitable vaccine availability amid ongoing Covid-19 risks.
A global analysis reveals that people with dementia experience an average delay of 3.5 years, and 4.1 years for early-onset cases, before diagnosis, due to factors like stigma, lack of awareness, and healthcare system issues, highlighting the urgent need for improved diagnostic strategies and awareness campaigns.
A USC study suggests that regular use of hearing aids is linked to lower death rates among U.S. adults with hearing loss. Despite the potential benefits, only 13% of adults with hearing loss use hearing aids regularly, partly due to high costs, lack of insurance coverage, and social stigma. Over-the-counter hearing aids may increase accessibility and reduce costs, but challenges like the need for comprehensive hearing assessments remain. The study underscores the importance of addressing these barriers to improve health outcomes for individuals with hearing loss.
